DCF to host elder abuse expo

Wednesday

PANAMA CITY — Florida’s Department of Children and Families is trying to bring attention to abused, neglected and endangered elderly adults.

PANAMA CITY — Florida’s Department of Children and Families is trying to bring attention to abused, neglected and endangered elderly adults.

“Thousands of elderly adults and adults with disabilities in Florida are mistreated each year by trusted family members, caregivers or others responsible for their well-being. Last year, DCF investigated more than 64,000 allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults statewide,” officials wrote in a news release.

The agency is hosting the fourth annual Elder Abuse Awareness Expo at the Glenwood Community Center, 722 E. Ninth Court, on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public. Those who attend are encouraged to wear purple to support elder abuse awareness.

"We are pleased to once again host this informational event in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and encourage everyone to join us," said Courtney Stanford, DCF's community development administrator. "We set this day aside to bring awareness to elder abuse and to call on our community to get involved in the lives of all our seniors. You can help by regularly visiting with older friends and family members, volunteering with local organizations serving vulnerable adults or reporting suspected physical, mental or financial abuse to our hotline."

More than 40 venders and government agencies, including the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Legal Services of North Florida and the Junior League of Panama City, will provide information and help to those who need it. BCSO will demonstrate Project Lifesaver, which uses a transmitter bracelet to help locate individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other disorders if they go missing.

Abuse can be reported to DCF by called 1-800-962-2873 or visiting www.floridaabusehotline.com

IF YOU GO

-What: Elder Abuse Awareness Expo

-When: 9 a.m. Friday

-Where Glenwood Community Center

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